Shopify + Warehouse Management System Integration
Manual pick lists slow you down. Inventory sync lags cause overselling. Returns don't update stock in time. We build integrations that connect Shopify to your WMS for end-to-end automation.
Integration goals
WMS integration that handles pick list generation, barcode scanning, packing verification, and real-time inventory sync.
- Automated pick list generation from Shopify orders
- Barcode scanning for pick verification and error reduction
- Real-time inventory sync across multiple warehouse locations
- Packing station integration with label printing
- Returns processing with automatic restocking
What breaks in practice
We've seen these patterns destroy integrations. Here's what to watch for:
Inventory sync lags cause overselling
WMS updates stock. Shopify doesn't get the update for 30 minutes. You sell out-of-stock items. Cancellations spike.
SKU mismatches break order import
Shopify variant SKU doesn't match WMS product code. Orders fail to import. Manual intervention required for every order.
Multi-warehouse routing fails
Order should ship from closest warehouse. Integration doesn't have routing logic. All orders go to primary location.
Returns stuck in manual processing
Item returned. WMS receives it. No webhook fires. Stock doesn't update in Shopify. You lose future sales.
Pick list errors from stale data
Customer changes order. WMS generates pick list from old data. Wrong items picked. Fulfillment team wastes time.
How we build it
Event-driven architecture with webhook-based order import and polling-based inventory sync. WMS handles pick-pack-ship lifecycle, Shopify manages order state.
Technical details
- WMS API for order import, inventory sync, and fulfillment updates
- Barcode scanning integration via mobile devices or fixed scanners
- Shopify Admin API for order and inventory management
- Multi-warehouse routing logic based on inventory availability
- Returns API integration for automated restocking
- Real-time inventory updates via WMS webhooks or polling
Sync strategy
Real-time for orders (Shopify → WMS). Near-real-time for inventory (WMS → Shopify, 5-min polling). Nightly reconciliation for discrepancies.
Conflict resolution
WMS is source of truth for inventory and fulfillment status. Shopify is source of truth for order details. Conflicts escalate to ops.
Phased approach
We break complex integrations into manageable phases with clear milestones.
Discovery & SKU Mapping
1 week- Audit SKU consistency between Shopify and WMS
- Document warehouse locations and routing rules
- Map Shopify order states to WMS pick-pack-ship workflow
- Define barcode scanning requirements
- Set up API access for WMS
Order Import & Pick List Generation
2 weeks- Implement order webhook from Shopify to WMS
- Build multi-warehouse routing logic
- Generate pick lists with optimized routes
- Integrate barcode scanning for pick verification
- Add error handling for SKU mismatches
Packing, Shipping & Inventory
1 week- Build packing station integration
- Sync tracking numbers back to Shopify
- Implement inventory polling (every 5 minutes)
- Handle multi-location inventory allocation
- Add returns processing with restocking
Testing & Launch
1 week- Test end-to-end pick-pack-ship workflow
- UAT with warehouse staff
- Train team on barcode scanning and exception handling
- Deploy monitoring for sync failures
- Go live with on-site support for first week
Requirements checklist
To build this integration, we'll need access to the following:
Book a WMS integration consult
Let's discuss your Warehouse Management System integration requirements. We'll walk through your current setup, pain points, and build a custom implementation plan.